UK rail mobile phone ticketing service launched

redspottedhanky.com, an online travel retailer, has announced it is using Masabi, a developer of m-ticketing technology for the transport sector, for its mobile ticketing service.

The mobile application allows travellers to search for train times, buy tickets and earn loyalty points for any route in the UK, with displayable m-tickets available on certain routes, eliminating the need for many passengers to use ticket machines. The apps currently support iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Nokia smartphones, as well as most everyday phones, with a Windows Phone 7 version launching soon.

Customers can quickly and easily search for and buy train tickets and earn loyalty points without paying any booking fees. Repeat purchases are even faster, requiring only a few key presses. M-tickets are supported on certain routes, such as the Chiltern Railways network, in the form of 2D barcodes.

Where m-tickets are not available, customers can collect their tickets using a booking reference number at most UK rail stations. The application also has the option to link purchases to the user’s web account, giving them a single convenient place to view all purchases, or print out receipts for expenses claims.

'It is now possible to get the great redspottedhanky.com service on the go where customers can check train times and buy the cheapest possible tickets whilst earning loyalty points using their mobile phone, whether it’s the latest smartphone or a basic everyday handset,' said James Bain, redspottedhanky.com’s director and co-founder. 'We look forward to continuing to work with Masabi to further develop the mobile applications and offer more advanced features, ultimately improving our customers’ experience.'

'As more and more consumers opt to travel by rail, there is a need to find new ways to sell tickets without necessarily expanding every station. This application allows consumers to completely bypass ticket machines, making their journeys as effortless and enjoyable as possible, from buying the ticket to boarding the train,' said Giacomo Biggiero, CPO of Masabi. 'We are extremely pleased to be working with forward-thinking online rail ticket vendors like redspottedhanky.com in bringing this innovative service to the public.'

All transactions are secured using Masabi’s award-winning, US government certified, encryptME security system that will ultimately support phone-based contactless technology, such as NFC, once it is widely available on handsets.

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Smart Chimps is the creation of freelance editor, writer and media trainer, Heather McLean. Heather has been involved in telecoms journalism since 2001, specialising in mobile since 2002. Find out more